"Where there is a will there is a way." The famous proverb is certainly inspiring. A person having a strong desire and determination can turn impossible into a possibility by overcoming the obstacles coming in the way of achieving the ultimate targets.
With such strong determination and sheer hard work, Malati Sisa, a tribal girl from Odisha's Malkangiri district has turned the tables and has made the impossible, possible!
Malati from Bondaghati village in Malkangiri is the first MA graduate from the region for which she is quite popular. However, recently, following the accomplishment of an impossible feat, Malati's popularity has certainly soared far beyond the region.
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Malati lives with her parents in Bandiguda village in Bondaghati along with her three sisters. The residents of Bandiguda village, which is located in a hilly area, experience hard times with the perennial scarcity of water. Though tube wells have been installed and public stand-posts have been constructed in the locality to ensure drinking water supply, those have been running dry. The villagers measure long roads on foot to fetch potable water from a waterfall to quench the family’s thirst and other needs.
Since her childhood, Malati had experienced the hardships of her family as well as fellow villagers. Facing the day-to-day challenges and deprivation, she went on to pursue her MA courses in the city. During last year’s lockdown when she came back to her native place, she decided to break her silence. She realised it was high time for her to make a firm resolve for a solution to the crisis situation.
"We sisters came up together with a decision to dig a well. Not only my family, other villagers too are using water from the well. We are using the well water for drinking, bathing, and cultivation. The best thing is, after digging the well we have sorted out the perennial drinking water crisis," said a beaming Malati.
Explaining her mission, Malati said she along with her three sisters decided to dig the well and immediately acted upon it. With sheer dedication and hard work, Malati and her sisters achieved the feat, which looked impossible in the initial days. In just about 10-12 days they managed to dig the well which is now filled with water.
"She (Malati) took the decision of digging a well and discussed with me and her sisters. Finally, she achieved success with her dedication and hard work. Not only we but several other villagers are also getting benefited from the well," said Malati's proud father.
However, due to financial constraints, they were unable to construct a concrete well or install concrete rings inside the well. But, the well has not only quenched her family and villager’s thirst, but they have also started growing vegetables after connecting pipes and a water pump for irrigation.
"We are using the water from the well dug up by Malati and her sisters. All are getting benefited," said a villager.
Inspired by Malati’s success without any government assistance, several other youths in the village have also started digging well with their own efforts. Malati’s mission has now taken the shape of a public movement.